Most of today was spent in Maai Mahiu checking in on various CTC (Comfort the Children) projects. One of the key 4 month old projects is the Handicap Children Day Care. Alison Costain, in country director for CTC, noticed months ago that there were many children with mental and some significant physical impairment. Often, the children were left at home with pressure put on their mothers, grandmothers and sometimes far less to look out for them. She designed a program that months later is showing great success. There are 17 children looked after in 2 play/school rooms with 3 "volunteer" teachers/aids who look after the children and work with them to improve mental and motors skills. The two rooms are divided based on age and disability. Often, those that cannot speak have also physical disabilities including a few that cannot stand on their own power. Upon entering the first room I was silenced. Humbled to a point of tears welling. These little ones were bright lights. Many had huge smiles!!!! Peacefully playing with learning puzzle games.
The two teachers, Jane and Nancy, described how just 4 months ago there were children who could not stand. For example, little Suzanne, preciously adorable. Upon arrival she could not walk but through hard work is now up with a walker. I could see the joy in her face having the mobility as she sort of shuffled, strolled over to me to put her hand out to shake my hand. "Sasa" (hello) I said and she replied "Fit" (Hello).......And then there was George. I am no doctor but he obviously has down syndrome and when he came in, Nancy explained, did not relate well to the other children. He constantly started fights and hit others. And over the past few months she described how he now rarely causes disturbances. This is mostly because the women work with him patiently and the program surrounds hims with other children on a regular basis. And last there was Danson, who has severe motor skills and mental impairments. Talk about a blessing!!!! Though he cannot get off the floor by himself and is permanently dependant on care takers, the moment you step in the room he constantly shines with the the biggest smile. It really brightens up the room. He can't talk but the smile is enough.
Currently, there is a waiting list for children to attend and CTC is limited by space and cash. Today we were made aware that there are two more rooms available just behind the existing school that we could use to grow the program. This is an exciting possibility and will cost us $80 a month for two rooms, $50 for a volunteer stipend a month and if we add 10 more children it will cost $80 to feed all 10 for a month. So total it will cost $210 per month to increase by 10 children. For most of us a days wage could cover a month of care taking these children. Time to become aware and make a difference :)
